"Hand Down, Man Down" "" The Trademark Catch Phrase of Former NBA All-Star and Lead Analyst for the NBA on ESPN/ABC "" Takes On a Life Of Its Own as New Apparel Brand: "HDMD" Sales Revenue from HDMD to Support Autism Speaks Charity Organization

(BLACK PR WIRE) LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was announced today that former NBA great and current ESPN/ABC personality, Mark Jackson, has launched a new basketball apparel line named Hand Down Man Down, with the acronym HDMD serving as the brand logo.

The apparel line derives its name from Jackson’s signature catch phrase “Hand Down, Man Down,” which has become a part of popular basketball lexicon thanks to Jackson’s emphatic use of the phrase during NBA telecasts on ESPN and ABC. The witty phrase, used to describe a player capitalizing on an opponent’s defensive mistake, immediately struck a chord with the public and is now regularly heard both on and off the basketball court, along with his other signature phrase, “Mama, there goes that man!”

HDMD is supporting the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks, and will donate $1 of every t-shirt sale to help the organization fund global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of the disorder.

The apparel line, which is defined by the “Hand Down, Man Down” mantra, is versatile and hip. From street courts to arena floors worldwide, the brand’s gritty look embodies confidence, passion, and a winner’s attitude. The HDMD line includes long and short sleeve shirts (sizes Small to XXXL), wristbands, headbands and shorts, all of which will initially be sold online exclusively at www.HDMDgear.com. The brand is ultimately planned to expand to retail stores nationwide as HDMD expands its product line.

The HDMD line is being introduced globally during the 2010 NBA playoffs via a new, fully integrated, multi-media campaign handled by independent, urban-driven Hollywood production company Deon Taylor Enterprises (DTE). The launch effort includes numerous viral initiatives (including ring tones) as well as an upcoming launch event in Los Angeles. Esteemed writer/director/producer Deon Taylor (“Chain Letter,” “The Hustle,” “Dead Tone,” “Nite Tales”), who teamed with Jackson to develop the HDMD concept, is writing and directing the entire HDMD campaign, which will feature A-list actors, musicians and athletes.

Many of the campaign's creative elements integrate a viral call to action for consumers to obtain ringtone downloads. There will also be downloadable wallpapers and images, as well as applications to send a friend a catch phrase message from Mark Jackson.

Commented Jackson, “My job as an NBA analyst is to tell it like it is and bring insider knowledge and a bit of flare to NBA coverage. I’m just happy there is now proof that people listen to me! I could never have envisioned that my commentary would inspire an apparel line, but I think we have something special and unique here. It’s a very distinct line that captures the spirit of the game and the spirit of athletic competition in general. The HDMD line will have a look for everyone.”

Jackson added, “As a brand, we want to be socially responsible and believe in giving something back when provided the opportunity. It’s this belief that led us to the partnership with Autism Speaks, a truly amazing organization that does so much to address issues surrounding autism throughout the world. We feel good knowing that the brand’s success will directly benefit the ongoing studies to research and hopefully cure autism.”

A number of the NBA’s biggest stars have pledged to support the apparel line in an effort to help battle autism. Jackson has already enlisted the support of former NBA stars Mitch Richmond and Byron Russell as well as other professional athletes including NFL player Ephraim Salaam of the Houston Texans.

TV and online spots will air throughout the months of May and June, while the NBA playoffs are in full swing.

Click here to see the full line: www.HDMDgear.com

About Mark Jackson
Former NBA standout Mark Jackson is a game and studio analyst for ABC broadcasts of the NBA. Jackson serves as a studio analyst for the NBA Sunday Countdown pre-game show on ABC, joining host Dan Patrick and analyst Michael Wilbon from the site of the ABC NBA Sunday game broadcast each week. Jackson provides analysis during the game, paired courtside with ESPN and ABC lead play-by-play commentator Mike Breen.

After starring at St. John’s University, Jackson was a first-round pick by the New York Knicks in 1987. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1988 and played 17 seasons for several teams including the Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets. He currently ranks third on the NBA all-time assists list with 10,323 and is also among the all-time leaders in steals.

As an analyst, he also does a weekly segment called “You're Better Than That,” which focuses on the NBA's best players in their not-so-great moments during the previous week. The title is based on one of Jackson's signature phrases, uttered in admonition of players for on-court mistakes. In addition to “Hand Down, Man Down,” Jackson's other well-known trademarks are: “Mama, there goes that man,” and “3-Ball Corner Pocket.”
Jackson and his family currently reside in Los Angeles where he and his wife Pastor a church in Van Nuys called True Love Worship Center International.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $210 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About Deon Taylor Enterprises
Deon Taylor Enterprises (DTE) is an international, cutting-edge entertainment studio adept at the development, production and marketing of a wide variety of innovative urban, music-driven film, television and home-entertainment programming for American and global audiences.
The company is a driving force providing compelling, original content designed to capture the attention of youthful audiences and create a buzz on the motion picture, television and creative scenes.

As a company, DTE has the staff, production facilities and fund-raising ability to nurture the seed of a great idea from creation to completion. DTE has the contacts, track record and drive to fund all of its projects independently. The company shoots all projects at DTE’s Sacramento Sound Stage, a 160,000-square-foot production facility on 4.5 acres, as well as exterior locations in and around Sacramento and neighboring counties.

DTE’s innovative projects are setting a hot, new standard for the next evolution of entertainment programming. For additional information please visit www.deontaylorenterprises.com.